Family And Domestic Violence Protections For Tenants

Adams & Jones Property Specialists are committed to keeping our tenants and owners informed of any legislative changes that may impact their property.

In October 2021, there were changes made to legislation surrounding Domestic and Family Violence.

Together with existing protections in the Act, the new legislative changes aim to support tenants experiencing domestic and family violence. Procedures and rules have now been put in place to assist victims to end a tenancy quickly, or if they choose, to remain in the rental property safely.

If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to the hotline numbers provided below for assistance.

What does this legislation mean?

Under new legislation passed in October 2021 victims of domestic and family violence have the option to end a tenancy under certain conditions. For more information on how to end a tenancy, please visit the RTA website - https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/forms-resources/factsheets/domestic-and-family-violence-information-for-tenants.

What is Domestic and Family Violence?

Domestic violence is when there is violent, abusive or intimidating behaviour or actions towards a partner or former partner to scare or control them.  Family violence also includes abuse that occurs in the community between siblings, parents, children, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

What can you do to find support if you or someone you know is impacted by Domestic and Family Violence?

It is important to remember that you are not alone and there are services designed to assist you. Some helpful resources for anyone experiencing Domestic or Family Violence are:

-In an emergency, call the Police on 000.

-1800RESPECT (1800 77 732) – a free and confidential telephone and online service for any Australian experiencing or who has experienced, domestic or family violence. https://www.1800respect.org.au

-Services Australia- provides information, referrals and support for people affected by family and domestic violence. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/family-and-domestic-violence

-In QLD you may also contact DV Connect. DV Connect provides free telephone crisis counselling, interpreter services for those who speak English as a second language, safety planning and referrals to crisis accommodation. Phone: 1800 81 811 and available 24/7.

Our partnership with DV Safe Phone to help make a difference - your phone can save a life  

Adams & Jones Property Specialists is honoured to partner with DV Safe Phone.  We are an official collection point in both our Minyama HQ office and our Emerald office.  DV Safe Phone collects, repurposes and gifts mobile phones to victims of domestic violence through registered charities, safe houses, and authorities.  Often, a victim’s phone is taken away to control contact with family and friends.  A phone can be a lifeline for a victim to reach out for assistance.

You can help by dropping off your old, usable mobile phone to one of our offices.  We will then ensure your phone goes to DV Safe Phone to be distributed to a victim of domestic or family violence.

If you need to end your tenancy agreement, please contact our team for a confidential conversation.

1800 875 875   |   info@adamsandjones.com.au